We needed to escape the hustle and bustle of Jozi to celebrate our first wedding anniversary and our thoughts turned to the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. High on our list was atmosphere and service, followed by surroundings and places of interest.
We flew in to Cape Town on the late afternoon flight, headed out to Goodings Groves and received a call from the manager to enquire if we were en-route and that all was ok? This was our first taste of the excellent service to come.
Our room was fantastic, the size, decor and personal touches such as complimentary olives - just what the weary traveller needs. The views are nothing short of spectacular and set nestled again the lower slopes of the mountain away from the main road - quiet.
As they were aware that it was a special weekend there was even a bottle of 'real' champagne on ice.
The breakfasts were sumptuous - great variety and served with a personal touch, I was not at a guest house, instead these were long lost family that I was visiting.
It is possible to take a bicycle and ride into town as one is only a stone's throw away. We however were a little lazy and drove into town.
Great food in available, varied shopping, the museum and wine farms. For lovers of cars the best motoring museum is just down the road. (I do)
The staff are a great...We needed to escape the hustle and bustle of Jozi to celebrate our first wedding anniversary and our thoughts turned to the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. High on our list was atmosphere and service, followed by surroundings and places of interest.
We flew in to Cape Town on the late afternoon flight, headed out to Goodings Groves and received a call from the manager to enquire if we were en-route and that all was ok? This was our first taste of the excellent service to come.
Our room was fantastic, the size, decor and personal touches such as complimentary olives - just what the weary traveller needs. The views are nothing short of spectacular and set nestled again the lower slopes of the mountain away from the main road - quiet.
As they were aware that it was a special weekend there was even a bottle of 'real' champagne on ice.
The breakfasts were sumptuous - great variety and served with a personal touch, I was not at a guest house, instead these were long lost family that I was visiting.
It is possible to take a bicycle and ride into town as one is only a stone's throw away. We however were a little lazy and drove into town.
Great food in available, varied shopping, the museum and wine farms. For lovers of cars the best motoring museum is just down the road. (I do)
The staff are a great source of local knowledge and will advise of just when and where to go!
We strolled through the groves, took in the fresh air and relaxed in front of a fire and read after supper. DSTV and internet are available if that is on your list of must-haves.
The conference venue nestled alongside a pond is fantastic, made us wish we had been able to exchange vows here....
We could have stayed so much longer than a short weekend!
Our only wish is that dinner in the dining room was standard - that would be perfect. However with all the options in town, maybe not...
We will be back, if not this year then the next!
Paul & Liz LouwMore
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